I began writing for Forbes in 2010. It was just as the economy was starting to perk up and a fascinating time to cover the stock market, which I did for three months until I switched beats in September 2010. Now I contribute to the Leadership channel, with a focus on jobs and careers–-another hot topic in a time when people are vigorously hunting for jobs or desperately trying to hold on to the ones they have. I have a BA from the University of Arizona and a master's degree in journalism from Hofstra University. Follow me on Twitter @JacquelynVSmith, subscribe to me on Google+, or email me at jsmith [at] forbes [dot] com.

“The move itself could be one of the most stressful changes in life,” says Marjie Terry, VP of business development and client service at Great on the Job. “Even if you’re super excited about the new position or company, moving is still complicated.”

Ted Stimpson, president and CEO of MyMove.com, agrees. He says: “As with any move, relocating for a job can be a complicated and stressful process. But the good news is that you’ve been recognized as a valuable asset to your new company or office, and employers are typically more than willing to help make your transition a smooth one.” Plan ahead for your move, and utilize any relocation packages offered by your employer, he says. “And if things start to get stressful, remember that the reason for your move is a positive and exciting one.”

So, what exactly makes relocating so complicated? Ryan Kahn, a career coach, the star of MTV’s Hired! and author of Hired! The Guide for the Recent Grad, says, among other things, the process requires you to find a new place to call home, become acquainted with your new environment, master a new job, and build a new support network—all at the same time. “A lot of hard work will go into being successful at all of these things, but hopefully you find out that it’s everything you’ve wanted.”

Stimpson says today’s real estate market doesn’t make it any easier. “Selling a house is one of the biggest complications that relocating homeowners face,” he says. “Paying two mortgages is daunting—and often not feasible—which leaves many in the challenging position of selling their current home while securing housing in their new city of employment.”

Another challenge faced by two-income families: finding employment for the relocating employee’s spouse or partner, he adds. And if you have children, you’ll probably worry about their transition to the new environment, as well.

“It’s extremely difficult to be 100% focused on your new job while dealing with all of the logistics of the move,” Terry says. “You want to make great impressions on your new colleagues but everything is new and unfamiliar, so it takes working double time in the beginning to make it all work.”

So, if you want to have a successful transition, here’s what you’ll need to do:

Stay organized. Much of moving related stress comes from managing all of the logistics, like leaving your current home, and finding a new one, Terry says. “Try to be very organized. Keep to-do lists for both your departure and arrival locations so that you can stay on top of everything.”

Know what’s available to you. Many companies offer a variety of relocation services and most are flexible in what they provide, Kahn says. Make sure you take the time to learn what’s available to you—and use it. For example, some companies will pay for things like house hunting trips, transportation of your cars, assistance in selling or buying your home, help figuring out how to rent out a property, and event organizers to settle you into your new home. They might also be able to help your spouse with job placement or employment leads in your new city, Stimpson adds.

If your employer doesn’t typically offer relocation assistance, ask for it. If you learn that assistance isn’t typically given, don’t be afraid to negotiate, Stimpson says. Start by researching moving costs (truck rentals, quotes from professional movers, transportation expenses, temporary housing, storage, etc.) so that you can present your employer with a detailed estimate of how much your relocation is expected to cost you. “Having this supporting information is crucial to the success of your request,” he says. Also ask about preferred providers when it comes to relocation companies and real estate agents. Reimbursement for your relocation may be contingent upon the usage of designated professionals with whom your employer has established relationships.

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